Jailbreaking is a process that changes little by little with each iOS upgrade. You're here because you want to jailbreak an older version of iOS, namely 5.0.1. If you're looking for the latest jailbreak, however, be sure to visit out always up-to-date jailbreak guide.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Although you can jailbreak both A5-based and non-A5-based devices running iOS 5.0.1, the method differs. Be sure to follow the instructions for your device.

How to Jailbreak Older (Non-A5-Based) Devices: The Step by Step Process

The video above will show you how the whole process works, both on your computer and your iOS device, but read on for the steps for non-A5-based devices.

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Before getting started, make sure you are running iOS 5.0.1, as this jailbreak will only work on iOS 5.0.1 and not 5.0.0. If you're still running 5.0.0, update to 5.0.1. Also, be sure your iDevice does not run on an A5 chip. (This means iPad 2s and iPhone 4S'.) Any earlier device that can run iOS 5.0.1 should work just fine. (This means the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 GSM, iPhone 4 CDMA, iPad 1, iPod touch 3G, and iPod touch 4G.)

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Connect your iDevice to your computer, open up the redsn0w application, and turn off your iDevice.

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On the redsn0w application window you'll see a Jailbreak button. Click it. You'll be told you'll need to put your iDevice into DFU mode and to click the Next button when ready. When you are ready, go ahead and click it.

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Hold down the power button at the top of your iDevice for three (3) seconds. Next, continue holding down the power button but also hold down the home button for a total of 10 seconds. Finally, let go of the power button but continue holding down the home button for another 15 seconds, or until redsn0w changes screens and tells you it's exploiting your device for the jailbreak.

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Once redsn0w has finished doing its business, it'll ask you what you want to do for this jailbreak. By default, only Cydia will be checked. Most of the other options are irrelevant, but you might want to check Enable multitouch gestures if you want additional multitouch gestures on your iPhone or iPod touch.

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Wait a few minutes for the jailbreak to finish and for your iDevice to reboot. Once it has booted, you'll see the Cydia icon on your home screen (although it may not be on the first page, so look around). Open it up and you'll have access to a bunch of jailbreak hacks.

How to Jailbreak Newer (A5-Based) Devices: The Step by Step Process

The video above will show you how the whole process works, both on your computer and your iOS device, but read on for the steps for A5-based devices.

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The greenpois0n absinthe method is pretty simple. You just plug in your iPhone or iPad (there's no need to enter DFU mode or even turn it off), open the absinthe jailbreak app on your Mac or Windows PC, and click the jailbreak button.

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Wait for a while. Your device will go into a fake restore session and reboot. When it reboots, DO NOT TOUCH IT. The jailbreak process isn't over yet. You will be notified on-screen when absinthe has finished its work. It will tell you to find the quote-unquote jailbreak app on one of your home screen pages. The app is not labeled jailbreak, but rather absinthe. Tap that app and it should cause your device to reboot with the jailbreak complete.

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If that doesn't happen, however, just open up the Settings app on your device and flip the VPN toggle switch to on (it'll be towards the top of your main settings options). You'll receive an error, which you need to dismiss, and then after a few seconds your device will reboot.

Once you're done jailbreaking, you'll now find Cydia on one of your home screen pages. Open it up and start installing whatever you want. Not sure what to install first? Check out our jailbreaking tag page for some ideas.